TCNJ vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

Compare The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ with Houghton University in Houghton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The College of New Jersey is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (8,141 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The College of New Jersey is located in Ewing, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• The College of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The College of New Jersey 14:1; Houghton University 12:1.

TCNJ vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TCNJ or Houghton University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Houghton University than TCNJ ($21,274 vs. $25,580).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 24.1% lower than at The College of New Jersey ($11,360 vs. $14,976).
• The College of New Jersey is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $1,202 more per year; $19,632.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.7% higher at TCNJ than at Houghton University (about $7,322 more per year; $25,752.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at The College of New Jersey (100% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The College of New Jersey students is 34.9% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($13,360 vs. $9,902).

TCNJ vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TCNJ or Houghton University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Houghton University and TCNJ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houghton University (1270) is 30 points higher than at TCNJ (1240).
• Incoming TCNJ students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 28) as students at Houghton University (28).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The College of New Jersey 1140/1340; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The College of New Jersey 26/31; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TCNJ - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TCNJ Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TCNJ students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than TCNJ (62.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.7% at TCNJ vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

TCNJ vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TCNJ and Houghton University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The College of New Jersey's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from The College of New Jersey earn a median of about $17,800 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The College of New Jersey graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, TCNJ graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($240 vs. $263).
• More TCNJ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 77%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.